Variable I/O interface for portable media device

ABSTRACT

The present invention can include electronic devices having variable input/output interfaces that can allow a user to interact with the devices with greater efficiency and in a more ergonomic manner. An electronic device of the present invention can display icons associated with user-programmable parameters of a media file. By interacting with the icons, a user can change the user-programmable parameters during playback of the media file. Changes to the user-programmable parameters can affect playback of the remainder of the media file. An electronic device of the present invention also can automatically re-orient images shown on a display and re-configure user input components based on the orientation of the electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/846,414 to Gilley et al., filed on Sep. 21, 2006 (referred to below as “the incorporated provisional patent application”), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This also is related to:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ to Gilley et al., filed on Mar. 27, 2007, entitled “LIFESTYLE COMPANION SYSTEM,” Attorney Docket No. 104677-0019-101/P4725US1 (referred to herein as “the incorporated LIFESTYLE COMPANION document”), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ to Gilley et al., filed on Mar. 27, 2007, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING AUDIO AND VISUAL CUES VIA A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” Attorney Docket No. 104677-0019-102/P4725US2 (referred to herein as “the incorporated AUDIO AND VISUAL CUES document”), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ to Gilley et al., filed on Mar. 27, 2007, entitled “DYNAMICALLY ADAPTIVE SCHEDULING SYSTEM,” Attorney Docket No. 104677-0019-103/P4725US3 (referred to herein as “the incorporated ADAPTIVE SCHEDULING SYSTEM document”), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ to Gilley et al., filed on Mar. 27, 2007, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING GROUP ACTIVITIES,” Attorney Docket No. 104677-0019-104/P4725US4 (referred to herein as “the incorporated GROUP ACTIVITIES document”), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ to Gilley et al., filed on Mar. 27, 2007, entitled “REWARDS SYSTEMS,” Attorney Docket No. 104677-0022-101/P4727US1 (referred to herein as “the incorporated REWARDS SYSTEMS document”), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ to Dorogusker et al., filed on Mar. 27, 2007, entitled “INTEGRATED SENSORS FOR TRACKING PERFORMANCE METRICS,” Attorney Docket No. 104677-0035-101/P4768US1 (referred to herein as “the incorporated INTEGRATED SENSORS document”), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/426078, to King et al., filed on Jun. 23, 2006 (Publication No. 2006/0238517, published on Oct. 26, 2006), entitled “Electronic Device Having Display and Surrounding Touch Sensitive Bezel for User Interface and Control” (referred to herein as “the incorporated King document”), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The incorporated provisional patent application, LIFESTYLE COMPANION document, AUDIO AND VISUAL CUES document, ADAPTIVE SCHEDULING SYSTEM document, GROUP ACTIVITIES document, REWARDS SYSTEMS document, INTEGRATED SENSORS document, and King document collectively are referred to herein as “the incorporated patent documents.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can relate to variable input/output interfaces for electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently available portable media devices may provide limited ways by which users can interact with the devices. For example, currently available portable media devices may show images on its display in only one orientation with respect to the housing of the media device. When a user places the portable media device in a non-standard orientation, the user may have to angle his head in order to properly view the displayed images. Furthermore, when the media device is playing a media file, the media device may not permit the user to adjust parameters associated with the media file. In order to adjust any of the parameters of the media file, the media device may require the user first to stop playback of the media file.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can include electronic devices that have variable input/output (I/O) interfaces. The variable I/O interfaces can allow a user to interact with the devices in a more ergonomic manner and with greater efficiency.

An electronic device of the present invention can display one or more software icons associated with user-programmable parameters of a media file during playback of the media file. The electronic device can permit a user to select a user-programmable parameter of the media file by selecting a corresponding icon. While the selected icon is visually distinguished, the electronic device can permit the user to adjust the selected user-programmable parameter. The electronic device can change the software icons it displays to reflect different user-programmable parameters associated with different modules of the media file or with different media files.

An electronic device of the present invention also can automatically re-orient an image shown on its display and/or re-configure user input components based on the orientation of the electronic device. The user input components can include hardware or software input components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an electronic device of the present invention in communication with a network of servers;

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a media file in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an electronic device that permits a user to adjust user-programmable parameters of a media file during playback of the media file in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a process for use by the electronic device of FIGS. 3A-3B in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5I illustrate electronic devices that can automatically re-orient an image shown on its display based on the orientation of the device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an electronic device that can automatically re-orient an image shown on its display and re-configure user input components based on the orientation of the device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6C-6D illustrate an electronic device that can automatically re-orient an image shown on its display based on the orientation of the device and permit a user to manually re-configure a user input component in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate electronic devices that can automatically re-orient an image shown on its display and re-configure user input components based on the orientation of the device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a process for use by an electronic device of one embodiment of the present invention to re-orient an image shown on a display and re-configure a user input component based on the orientation of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an electronic device of the present invention in communication with a network of servers. Electronic device 10 can include housing 12, display 14, user input component 16, controller 18, memory 20, and orientation transducer 22. In one embodiment of the present invention, electronic device 10 can be a portable media device similar to that sold under the trademark iPod™ by Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.

User input component 16 can include a clickwheel similar to that incorporated in the iPod™. The clickwheel can include one or more buttons and a touchpad. The touchpad may permit a user to scroll by running the user's finger around the track of the clickwheel. In alternative embodiments, user input component 16 can include, for example, one or more buttons, a touchpad, a touchscreen display, electronics for accepting voice commands, antennas for accepting signals from other electronic devices, infrared ports for accepting signals from other electronic devices, or any combination thereof. Controller 18 can include one or more processors, ASICs, circuits, or any combination thereof. Memory 20 can include read only memory, random access memory, solid-state memory, buffer memory, hard drive memory, any other memory known in the art or otherwise, or any combination thereof.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a user can use portable media device 10, local server 24 (e.g., a user's personal computer), or central server 26 (e.g., a server that hosts a website) to design or compile a program of activities for the user to perform or for another user to perform. The program of activities can include instructions and other audio and/or visual information. The instructions and other audio/visual information can be stored in a media file, which the user can play back on, e.g., electronic device 10. For example, the incorporated patent documents describe in greater detail programs of activities (e.g., compilations of fitness activities, nutritional activities, and/or medical activities) that a user can compile, e.g., on a local or central server and playback on electronic device 10.

If the user compiles the program of activities on local server 24 or central server 26, the local or central server can transmit the media file to portable media device 10 using a cable or a wireless communication protocol known in the art or otherwise. The portable media device can store the media file in memory 20. When the user wishes to perform activities in accordance with the compiled program, controller 18 can play back the media file. Electronic device 10 can output audio data stored in the media file using speakers (not shown) disposed within portable media device 10 or an accessory coupled thereto. Portable media device 10 can output visual data stored in the media file using display 14. Visual data can include text images, still images, and/or video images.

In one aspect of the present invention, portable electronic device 10 can accept data from sensors S that can capture information about the user's activities. Sensors S can include sensors used in, for example, pedometers, accelerometers, heart rate monitors, oximeters, GPS tracking devices, devices that measure temperature, devices that measure heat flux, electrocardiogram devices, devices having activity tracking sensors similar to those described in the incorporated INTEGRATED SENSORS document, devices having activity tracking sensors similar to those described in the other incorporated patent documents, or any combination thereof.

A user can wear sensors S in the user's clothing or accessories. Alternatively, sensors S can be disposed within electronic device 10 or another electronic device utilized by the user. While the user is performing the activities programmed into the media file, sensors S can track the user's performance and electronic device 10 can log data from sensors S in memory 20. Once the user has completed the scheduled activities, the user can upload the data that electronic device 10 has collected about the user's performance into local server 24 and/or central server 26. Local server 24 and/or central server 26 then can analyze that data to adapt the user's goals or otherwise track a user's progress, for example, in ways similar to those described in the incorporated patent documents.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate a media file in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Media file 30 can be a compilation of one or more activity modules. Each module can store audio and/or visual information for one type of activity. When the user is compiling the program of activities stored in media file 30, the user may choose the modules the user wants to include in media file 30 and set global user-programmable parameters associated with media file 30. For example, a global user-programmable parameter can include the total amount of time a user has allocated to perform all the activities associated with media file 30. The user also may set module-specific user-programmable parameters associated with each module the user includes in the media file. For example, module 1 can be a fitness module instructing the user to lift weights using barbells. User-programmable parameters associated with module 1 can include the song a user wants to hear when exercising to this module, the number of pounds the user wants to lift per barbell, and the number of repetitions a user wants to perform.

When the user is ready to perform the activities associated with media file 30, the user can initiate playback of media file 30 on electronic device 10. Electronic device 10 then can begin playing module 1 by outputting the audio and/or visual information associated therewith. Upon the completion of module 1, the electronic device 10 can automatically begin playing module 2 by outputting the audio and/or visual information associated therewith. This process can continue until electronic device 10 has played all of the modules.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, controller 18 can be configured to permit a user to adjust global and/or module-specific user-programmable parameters of media file 30 during playback of the media file. Controller 18 can display one or more icons on display 14 that correspond to the user-programmable parameters of media file 30. Using user input component 16, the user may select the icon corresponding to the user-programmable parameter he wishes to modify. Once controller 18 has visually distinguished the selected icon, the user can modify the user-programmable parameter by manipulating user input component 16.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an electronic device that permits a user to adjust user-programmable parameters of a media file during playback of the media file in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Controller 18 of electronic device 10 can display multiple icons 34-38 on display 14 of electronic device 10. Icons 34-36 can correspond to global and/or module-specific user-programmable parameters of media file 30. Icon 38 can correspond to media file-independent parameters of the electronic device associated with playback of the media file (e.g., volume and/or an equalizer). Controller 18 can permit a user to tab through icons 34-38 using user input component 16 until a desired icon is visually distinguished from the other icons (e.g., highlighted or bolded). Once the desired icon is selected, the controller may permit the user to modify parameters associated with the selected icon by manipulating user input 16.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, electronic device 10 may be playing a media file that walks a user through a fitness routine similar to that discussed in the incorporated patent documents. The user may have programmed the fitness routine with a fitness module that instructs the user to lift weights using barbells. As shown in FIG. 3A, the user may have initially programmed the module to instruct the user to perform 15 repetitions of bicep curls using 10 pound barbells. However, during the fitness routine, the user may decide he wants to increase the number of repetitions to 25. Electronic device 10 can permit a user to indicate this adjustment by toggling through icons 34-38 by manipulating user input 16 (e.g., the buttons of a clickwheel) until the user reaches desired icon 36. Icon 36 can correspond to the user-programmable parameter associated with the number of repetitions saved in the media file. As shown in FIG. 3B, once desired icon 36 is visually distinguished from the other icons (e.g., highlighted), electronic device 10 can permit the user to adjust the number of repetitions (e.g., from 15 to 25) by manipulating user input 16 (e.g., by scrolling through values using a clickwheel similar to that incorporated in the iPod™). Electronic device 10 then can display adjustments to the selected user-programmable parameter in the corresponding icon, as shown in FIG. 3B.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate a process for use by electronic device 10 of FIGS. 3A-3B in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In step 40, controller 18 of electronic device 10 can accept signals from user input component 16 to load a desired media file for playback. Once the media file is loaded, controller 18 can check to see whether the controller has played the last module of the media file in step 42. Since the controller has just loaded the user-selected media file, controller 18 can then progress onto step 44, in which it can load the first module in the media file.

In step 46, controller 18 can begin playing the first module of the media file. This can include outputting audio and/or visual information associated with that module, displaying icon(s) 38 on display 14 corresponding to media file-independent parameters, and logging information collected by sensors S. Visual information associated with a module can include icons 34-36 that identify user-programmable parameters that a user can adjust during playback of that module, the amount of time elapsed, visual cues for the proper way to perform the activity associated with the current module playing, visual cues of the activity associated with the next module to be played from the media file, etc.

In step 48, controller 18 can check whether the end of the module has been reached. If not, in step 50, controller 18 can wait to accept signals from user input component 16 that indicate the user wishes to adjust either a user-programmable parameter associated with the media file or a media file-independent parameter. Once the controller receives one or more signals from user input component 16, controller 18 can permit the user to adjust a user-programmable parameter or one of the media file-independent parameters in step 52. Thereafter, controller 18 can reiterate steps 46-52 to continue playing the first module of the loaded media file in accordance with the adjustment made to a user-programmable parameter in step 52.

Once controller 18 detects that it has reached the end of the first media module in step 48, controller 18 can save any adjustments made to user-programmable parameters associated with the first media module in step 54. Alternatively, the controller can save adjustments to the user-programmable parameters immediately after the adjustments are made.

Thereafter, controller 18 can automatically load and begin playback of a second media module of the loaded media file. Because the second module can request that the user perform an activity different than that of the first module, the controller may output different audio and/or visual information than that output for the first module and/or log different information collected by sensors S. Controller 18 can continuously reiterate steps 42-54 until the controller detects in step 42 that it has just played the last module of the loaded media file. In step 56, controller 18 can conclude playback of the media file loaded in step 40.

Once the user has completed the scheduled activities, the user can upload the adjustments made to the user-programmable parameters of the media file into local server 24 and/or central server 26 along with other data that electronic device 10 collected about the user's performance. Local server 24 and/or central server 26 then can analyze the uploaded data to adapt the user's goals or otherwise track a user's progress.

FIG. 4B illustrates a process for use by electronic device 10 in step 52 of FIG. 4A in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In response to receipt of signals from user input component 16 in step 50, controller 18 can send signals to display 14 to visually distinguish a selected icon 34-38 in step 60. In step 62, controller 18 can accept signals from user input component 16 that indicates the user is requesting to adjust the user-programmable parameter or media file-independent parameter corresponding to the selected icon. In step 64, controller 18 can adjust the selected user-programmable or media file-independent parameter.

Adjustments in global or module-specific user-programmable parameters during step 64 may require that controller 18 adjust the playback of the remainder of the media file. In step 66, controller 18 can make adjustments in other user-programmable and non-user-programmable parameters of the loaded media file in response to adjustments made in step 64. For example, if the user adjusts the number of repetitions from 15 to 25 as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B, controller 18 may need to allocate a greater amount of time for the user to perform and for the controller to play back the entire media file. Thus, controller 18 may need to make a corresponding adjustment to a global user-programmable parameter of the loaded media file, e.g., the total amount of time a user has allocated to perform all the activities of media file 30. Alternatively, rather than changing a global parameter of the media file, controller 18 can instead adjust a user-programmable parameter of a media module that is scheduled to be played after the current module. For example, the controller can instead shorten the time allocated for a user to perform another fitness module, e.g., a jogging module.

While the media file described above can store both audio and visual data, media files of the present invention also may be configured to store only audio data or only visual data. Furthermore, an electronic device of the present invention can permit a user to adjust user-programmable parameters associated with any type of file, not just a media file.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an electronic device of the present invention that can automatically re-orient image I shown on its display based on the orientation of the device. For example, assume that electronic device 10 and image I are disposed in a reference orientation in FIG. 5A. When electronic device 10 is rotated from its reference orientation, controller 18 can detect the rotation based on signals from orientation transducer 22. Responsive thereto, controller 18 can rotate image I on display 14 so that it remains in the reference orientation (e.g., oriented upright in the positive Y direction). For example, when electronic device 10 is rotated by 90 degrees so that it is positioned parallel to the X axis (the orientation shown in FIGS. 5B or 5C), controller 18 can maintain image I on display 14 in the reference orientation. Similarly, when electronic device 10 is rotated by an additional 90 degrees as shown in FIG. 5D, controller 18 also can maintain image I on display 14 in the reference orientation.

Image I can include text images, still images, and/or video images. For example, image I can include icons 34-38 as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-4.

While FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate image I oriented in either a portrait or landscape orientation based on the orientation of electronic device 10, controller 18 also can be configured to orient image I in intermediate orientations.

FIGS. 5E-5I illustrate an electronic device of the present invention that can re-orient image I in one of a plurality of orientations ranging from the portrait orientation of FIG. 5E to the landscape orientation of FIG. 5I, inclusive. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 5F-5H, the orientation of image I can be rotated by less than 90 degrees with respect to either the orientation of FIGS. 5E or 5I. In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the orientations shown in FIGS. 5E-5I can be a discrete orientation in which image I can be disposed. Alternatively, the orientations shown in FIGS. 5E-5I can represent a non-discrete set of orientations in which image I can be disposed. In the latter case, electronic device 10 can be configured to re-orient image I so that image I continuously tracks the orientation of electronic device 10. Thus, each successive re-orientation of image I can merge smoothly with the next so that changes in the orientation of image I are not disjointed.

Although FIGS. 5A-I illustrate different orientations of electronic device 10 in two dimensions, electronic device 10 also can be oriented in three-dimensions. Accordingly, controller 18 can be configured to re-orient image I based on the orientation of electronic device 10 in three-dimensions. For example, controller 18 can re-orient image I based on the orientation of device 10 in the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. When electronic device 10 is tilted out of the X-Y plane, controller 18 can detect the rotation based on signals from orientation transducer 22. Responsive thereto, controller 18 can re-orient image I so that it remains in a manufacturer or user-defined reference orientation.

Orientation transducers incorporated in the electronic devices of the present invention can include a single multi-dimensional motion sensor or an assembly of sensors that can detect motion of the electronic device, including position, orientation, and/or movement. For example, an orientation transducer can include one or more multi-dimensional accelerometers, GPS systems, gyroscopes, magnetic sensors, mercury switches, or any combination thereof. The orientation transducers also can include a receiver that can triangulate the position, orientation, and/or movement of the electronic device based on signals received from multiple transmitters disposed near the receiver.

Advantageously, an electronic device that can dynamically adjust the orientation of image I in the manner described may be useful for a user who may position the electronic device in a non-standard orientation. For example, an athlete may have an iPod™ strapped to his forearm. When the athlete has his arm extended in front of him (e.g., when he is stretching before a jog), he may wish to view image I on a display of the iPod™ in the orientation shown in FIG. 5A. However, when the athlete's forearm is positioned close to his chest (for example, when the athlete wants to check the elapsed time or the song that is currently playing on his iPod™), it may be more convenient for the athlete to view image I in the orientation of FIGS. 5B or 5D. Electronic device 10 may re-orient image I on its display as the athlete moves his forearm closer to his chest.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate one embodiment of an electronic device that can automatically re-configure a hardware user input component based on the orientation of the device. Electronic device 70 can include housing 72, display 74, hardware user input component 76, controller 78, memory 80, and orientation transducer 82. Hardware user input component 76 can include, e.g., multiple buttons associated with functions A-E.

When electronic device 70 is oriented in a reference orientation (e.g., the positive Y direction shown in FIG. 6A), buttons associated with functions A-E also can be configured in a reference orientation (e.g., with the button associated with function A disposed closest to display 74). When electronic device 70 rotates from its reference orientation (e.g., into the orientation shown in FIG. 6B), controller 78 can detect the rotation based on signals from orientation transducer 82. Responsive thereto, controller 78 can re-configure user input component 76 so that the user does not perceive a change in the configuration of the user input component despite re-orientation of electronic device 70. For example, controller 78 can re-configure user input component 76 by re-assigning functions A-D so that function A always is assigned to the button disposed in the positive Y direction relative to the button assigned with function E, function B always is assigned to the button disposed in the negative X direction relative to the button assigned with function E, function C always is assigned to the button disposed in the negative Y direction relative to the button assigned with function E, and function D always is assigned to the button disposed in the positive X direction relative to the button assigned with function E.

Controller 78 can re-configure the buttons of user input 76 when electronic device 70 is re-oriented by, e.g., using one or more hardware switches or multiplexers. Alternatively, controller 78 can incorporate software that distributes signals received from the buttons of user input 76 to the appropriate function based on signals from orientation transducer 82.

FIGS. 6C-6D illustrate electronic device 70 with an alternative user input component that can be re-configured with re-orientation of the device. User input component 77 can be similar to the clickwheel incorporated in some models of iPods™. User input component 77 can incorporate touchpad TP and a plurality of buttons assigned with functions A-E. In one embodiment of the present invention, user input component 77 can be manually re-configured by a user when the user changes the orientation of device 70. For example, user input component 77 can be configured to be manually rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. Thus, when a user re-orients electronic device 70 from the orientation of FIG. 6C to that of FIG. 6D, the user also can rotate user input component 77 by 90 degrees to dispose the user input component in a more ergonomic configuration.

Electronic device 70 also can provide tactile feedback to the user during manual re-configuration. For example, there can be mechanical stops that prevent the user from rotating user input 77 past certain angles. Also, user input component 77 can incorporate mechanical protuberances that are configured to engage depressions (or vice versa). When the user manually re-configures user input component 77, electronic device 70 can provide tactile feedback to the user when the protuberances engage the depressions.

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate an electronic device that can automatically re-configure user input components based on the orientation of the device. Electronic device 90 can include housing 92, display 94, and controller 98. Controller 98 can overlay icons 104 onto image I shown on display 94 or incorporate icons 104 into image I. Icons 104 can be disposed on display 94 in locations on or proximate to software or hardware user input components. The icons can have shapes, text or images that indicate the functions of the input components designated by the icons. For example, if display 94 is a touchscreen display, icons 104 can indicate the locations of software input components, e.g., software buttons assigned with functions A-F (see FIG. 7A-7C). A user then may actuate any of the software buttons by contacting or otherwise interacting with display 94 at the locations at which icons 104 are disposed. In addition to buttons, software user input components also can include linear or circular scrolls, sliders, dials, any other user interfaces that can be emulated on display 94, or any combination thereof. Touchscreen displays can include any touch or proximity sensitive display known in the art or otherwise that can simultaneously (1) display image I and icons 104, and (2) detect when a user wants to actuate a software user input component.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7D-7E, icons 104 also can be disposed proximate to hardware input components 105. Hardware input components 105 can include hardware buttons assigned with functions G-J, linear or circular scroll, slider, dial, one of the user input components described in the incorporated King document, any other type of hardware that can be used for user input, or any combination thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7D, controller 98 can display image I and icons 104 on display 94 in a reference orientation. When electronic device 90 changes orientation, e.g., rotates counter-clockwise by 90 degrees as shown in FIGS. 7B, 7C, and 7E, controller 98 can detect the rotation based on signals from orientation transducer 102. Responsive thereto, controller 98 can re-orient image I and re-configure the user input components designated by icons 104.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, controller 98 can re-position the software input components and icons 104 so that the composite image formed by image I and icons 104 stays the same with the re-configuration. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 7C, controller 98 can re-position the software input components and icons 104 so that the composite image formed by image I and icons 104 change as a result of the re-configuration. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7E, controller 98 can re-assign functions to one or more of components 105 and re-position icons 104. Again, functions G-J can be re-assigned so that the composite image formed by image I and icons 104 change as a result of the re-configuration. An electronic device of the present invention may change the composite image formed by image I and icons 104, for example, to better distribute icons 104 within a display (as shown in FIG. 7C) and/or when all active user input components are consolidated along a single side of the display that is more accessible to a user (as shown in FIG. 7E).

Electronic device 90 also can include hardware user input component 96, memory 100, and orientation transducer 102. Memory 100 can store, for example, media files with which image I is associated, data from which controller 98 can generate icons 104, and program code. The program code can include, for example, instructions for displaying, re-orienting, and re-configuring image I, icons 104, software input components, and hardware input components 105. Hardware user input component 96 can be, for example, a single or multi-functional button. Multi-functions buttons can signal controller 98 to perform one function when a user depresses the button for a predetermined amount of time and signal controller 98 to perform a second function when a user depresses the button for a shorter amount of time.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a process for use by an electronic device of the present invention to re-orient an image on a display and re-configure one or more user input components of the device based on the orientation of the electronic device. In step 112, a controller can accept signals from an orientation transducer disposed within the electronic device. In step 114, the controller can analyze the signals from the orientation transducer to determine the orientation of the electronic device. In step 116, the controller can determine the difference between the orientation of the electronic device and a reference orientation.

The controller may permit a manufacturer or a user to set the reference orientation. For example, a user may set the reference orientation of the electronic component in the positive x direction, rather than, e.g., the positive Y direction shown in FIG. 5A. Thereafter, the controller can maintain images displayed by the device oriented in the positive X direction regardless of the orientation in which the electronic device is disposed.

In step 118, the controller can generate signals to re-orient an image in the reference orientation. Depending on the determination made in step 116, this can include rotating the image into the reference orientation and performing any other operations necessary to properly display the image in the new orientation, e.g., scaling.

To rotate the image, the controller can use transformation matrices or select from versions of the image stored in memory that already are disposed in predetermined orientations. For example, each time the controller determines that the reference orientation is different than the real-time orientation of the electronic device, the controller can determine a transformation matrix based on the reference orientation and the real-time orientation of the electronic device. The transformation matrix also can incorporate factors needed to properly display the image in the new orientation (e.g., scaling factors). The controller then can use the transformation matrix to re-orient the image. Advantageously, this technique may be useful for re-orienting images that are constantly changing, e.g., video images.

The electronic device also can store multiple versions of each image disposed in multiple orientations. The controller then can select and display the version of the image having the appropriate orientation based on the determination made in step 116. This may be useful for re-orienting still images that are repeatedly displayed in certain predetermined orientations.

Alternatively, rather than storing multiple versions of each image, the electronic device can store predetermined transformation matrices that can re-orient any image to be displayed by the electronic device. Again, the controller can incorporate, e.g., scaling factors into the stored transformation matrices. The controller then can select the appropriate transformation matrix based on the determination made in step 116 and apply the transformation matrix to re-orient the image. Again, this technique may be useful for re-orienting images that are constantly changing.

The controller also can use other techniques known in the art or otherwise to re-orient an image shown on a display of the electronic device.

In step 120, the controller can generate signals to re-configure one or more user input components of the electronic device. This can include re-assigning functions to one or more user input components, re-positioning one or more user input components, and/or re-positioning one or more icons that designate user input component(s).

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a controller can permit the user to reversibly deactivate certain orientations in which the controller is capable of displaying an image. For example, the controller can permit a user to limit an image to be displayed only in the following two orientations: the orientation of FIG. 5A or the orientation of FIG. 5B. The controller also may permit the user to reversibly deactivate the automatic re-orientation feature of the electronic device. Instead, the controller can require that the user toggle images on the display among different orientations by manually signaling the controller using a user input component.

Similarly, the controller can permit the user to reversibly deactivate certain configurations in which the controller is capable of re-configuring user input components. The controller also can permit the user to reversibly deactivate the automatic re-configuration feature of the electronic device. Again, the controller can instead require that the user toggle between configurations of the user input component by manually signaling the controller.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, it will be understood that this description is merely for purposes of illustration. Alternative embodiments of those described hereinabove also are within the scope of the present invention.

Electronic devices of the present invention can combine features described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8. For example, an electronic device of the present invention can permit a user to change user-programmable parameters of a media file, automatically re-orient images based on the orientation of the electronic device, and automatically re-configure user input components based on the orientation of the electronic device.

Electronic devices of the present invention also can include other components that are not illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 for the sake of simplicity, e.g., a receiver to receive data from sensors S, additional input components, and/or additional output components.

Electronic devices of the present invention can be any electronic device that executes files having user-programmable parameters and/or any electronic device that a user may orient in a non-standard orientation. For example, the electronic device can be any portable, mobile, hand-held, or miniature consumer electronic device. Illustrative electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, music players, video players, still image players, game players, other media players, music recorders, video recorders, cameras, other media recorders, radios, medical equipment, calculators, cellular phones, other wireless communication devices, personal digital assistances, programmable remote controls, pagers, laptop computers, printers, or any combination thereof. Miniature electronic devices may have a form factor that is smaller than that of hand-held devices. Illustrative miniature electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, watches, rings, necklaces, belts, accessories for belts, headsets, accessories for shoes, virtual reality devices, other wearable electronics, accessories for sporting equipment, accessories for fitness equipment, key chains, or any combination thereof.

The above described embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow. 

1. A portable media device for playing a media file, wherein the media file comprises at least one user-programmable parameter, the portable media device comprising: one or more user input components that generate user input signals when actuated; memory for storing the media file; and a controller configured to adjust the at least one user-programmable parameter responsive to user input signals during playback of the media file and to store an adjustment to the at least one user-programmable parameter in memory.
 2. The portable media device of claim 1, wherein: the media file comprises first and second media modules; the first media module comprises media information for a first activity; and the second media module comprises media information for a second activity.
 3. The portable media device of claim 1, wherein the user input component comprises at least one button and a touchpad.
 4. The portable media device of claim 1, further comprising a display, wherein the controller is configured to show on the display at least one icon associated with the at least one user-programmable parameter.
 5. The portable media device of claim 1, wherein the portable media device comprises a hand-held media device.
 6. A method for playing a media file, the method comprising: accepting first signals from at least one user input component to initiate playback of the media file, wherein the media file comprises at least one user-programmable parameter; accepting second signals from the at least one user input component, wherein the second signals are indicative of a user-request to adjust the at least one user-programmable parameter; adjusting the at least one user-programmable parameter when the media file is playing; and storing an adjustment to the at least one user-programmable parameter.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein: the at least one user-programmable parameter comprises at least first and second user-programmable parameters; the second signals are indicative of a user-request to adjust the first user-programmable parameter; and adjusting the at least one user-programmable parameter comprises adjusting the first user-programmable parameter; the method further comprising adjusting the second user-programmable parameter responsive to an adjustment of the first user-programmable parameter.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising: displaying at least one icon on a display, wherein the at least one icon corresponds to the at least one user-programmable parameter; and visually distinguishing a selected icon from the at least one icon, wherein adjusting the at least one user-programmable parameter comprises adjusting a user-programmable parameter that corresponds to the selected icon.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising displaying adjustments to the at least one user-programmable parameter on the selected icon.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the media file comprises at least first and second media modules, the first media module comprising media information for a first activity and the second media module comprising media information for a second activity.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first media module comprises at least a first user-programmable parameter and the second media module comprises at least a second user-programmable parameter, the method further comprising: displaying a first icon that corresponds to the first user-programmable parameter when the first media module is playing; and displaying a second icon that corresponds to the second user-programmable parameter when the second media module is playing.
 12. The portable media device of claim 6, further comprising: showing an image from the media file on a display; detecting an orientation of the portable media device; and re-orienting the image shown on the display based on the detected orientation of the portable media device.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising re-configuring the at least one user input component based on the detected orientation of the portable media device.
 14. A portable electronic device comprising: a display; an orientation transducer that generates transducer signals indicative of the orientation of the portable electronic device; and a controller configured to show an image on the display within a range of orientations based on the transducer signals, wherein the range of orientations comprises at least first and second orientations, and wherein the first orientation is rotated by less than 90 degrees with respect to the second orientation.
 15. The portable electronic device of claim of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to show the image on the display in an orientation that continuously tracks the orientation of the portable electronic device.
 16. The portable electronic device of claim 14, wherein the transducer signals are indicative of the orientation of the portable electronic device in three dimensions.
 17. The portable electronic device of claim 14, further comprising at least one user input component, wherein the controller is configured to re-configure the at least one user input component based on the transducer signals.
 18. The portable electronic device of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to re-position at least one icon designating the at least one user input component so that the composite image formed by the image and the at least one icon stays the same.
 19. The portable electronic device of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to re-position at least one icon designating the at least one user input component so that the composite image formed by the image and the at least one icon changes with the re-configuration.
 20. The portable electronic device of claim 14, wherein the display comprises a touchscreen display.
 21. A portable electronic device comprising: a display for showing an image; an orientation transducer that generates transducer signals indicative of the orientation of the portable electronic device; one or more user input components designated by one or more icons on the display; and a controller configured to re-orient the image on the display and re-configure the one or more user input components based on the transducer signals, wherein the image and the one or more icons form a composite image that changes with re-configuration of the one or more user input components.
 22. The portable electronic device of claim 21, wherein: the one or more user input components comprises a plurality of hardware input components; and the controller is configured to re-configure the one or more user input components by re-assigning functions to at least one of the plurality of hardware input components.
 23. The portable electronic device of claim 21, wherein: the one or more user input components comprises a plurality of software input components; and the controller is configured to re-configure the one or more user input components by re-positioning at least one of the plurality of software input components.
 24. The portable electronic device of claim 21, wherein the display comprises a touchscreen display.
 25. The portable electronic device of claim 21, wherein the controller is configured to re-orient the image on the display within a range of orientations based on the transducer signals, wherein the range of orientations comprises at least first and second orientations, and wherein the first orientation is rotated by less than 90 degrees with respect to the second orientation.
 26. The portable electronic device of claim 21, wherein the portable electronic device is configured to play a media file having at least one user-programmable parameter, and wherein the controller is configured to adjust the at least one user-programmable parameter responsive to user input signals during playback of the media file, wherein the user input signals are generated by the one or more user input components.
 27. A portable media device comprising: a housing; a display for showing an image; an orientation transducer that outputs transducer signals indicative of the orientation of the portable electronic device; a controller configured to re-orient the at least one image shown on the display based on the transducer signals; and a user input component disposed within the housing, wherein the user input component is manually re-configurable with respect to the housing.
 28. The portable media device of claim 27, wherein the user input component comprises at least one button and a touchpad.
 29. The portable media device of claim 27, wherein the user input component is configured to be rotated within the housing.
 30. The portable media device of claim 27, wherein the orientation transducer comprises a multi-dimensional accelerometer.
 31. The portable media device of claim 27, wherein the user input component provides tactile feedback to a user during re-configuration. 